40 College Scholarships for Latino and Hispanic Students

The growth in Hispanic and Latino participation in postsecondary education in the United States over the past half-century is astounding. It increased by a staggering884% since 1976. Today,more than 21%of the college student population in the U.S. identifies as Hispanic or Latino.

The challenge of affording college for Hispanic and Latino students remains substantial, particularly as they navigate a number of unique cultural and socioeconomic barriers like being a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient or the first member of their family with the opportunity to go to college.

Fortunately, there’s a growing abundance of support for Hispanic and Latino students on college campuses and in their communities at-large. That support starts with financial aid resources that are designated exclusively for or inclusive of them, including the scholarships described below. We also included additional resources that Hispanic and Latino students can use to aid them in their college and career journeys, plus some valuable tips for increasing their chances of landing the scholarship awards they’re after.

40 College Scholarships that Students Can Apply for Now

These 40 scholarship options range from need-based to merit-based and include major-specific and geo-specific awards plus options for part-time and online students. Award amounts range from $500 to full tuition coverage. Regardless of the specific application requirements and amounts, all of these awards are intended to make higher education more affordable and accessible.

Note that application deadlines often change from year to year, so be sure to confirm the current deadline for any scholarship you’re interested in.

General Scholarships and Grants for Hispanic and Latino Students

Public Service Scholarships for Hispanic and Latino Students

Increase Your Chances of Earning a Scholarship Award

Finding scholarships that you’re interested in is the first step of the process. The next step is to submit the best possible application and supporting documents. The importance of an outstanding application cannot be overstated. It’s likely your only chance to convince the scholarship selection committee that you’re the best choice to receive their award. Listed below are seven valuable tips for creating a great scholarship application.

Do Your Research

Hispanic college students receive an average of$3,160 in scholarship funding (which is less than the average funding for white and Black students). But, you can’t get your share of scholarship funds unless you find and apply to the scholarships that you’re eligible for. It takes time and effort to research what’s available. However, it’s definitely worth the effort.

Follow Instructions Exactly

Every scholarship application has its own specific instructions, supplemental material, and deadline requirements. You must satisfy each and every one of those requirements. If not, your application will be immediately discarded, no matter how well you are otherwise qualified to win an award.

Showcase What Makes You Unique

Scholarship committees look for applicants who stand out (in a good way) from the competition, and it’s up to you to make sure that they see you as a standout applicant. So, you should emphasize what makes you unique – whether it’s your exceptional academic accomplishments, exemplary volunteer work in your community, or the fact that you are the first person in your family to go to college. Whatever it is, don’t be afraid to lean into your story and make the best impression possible.

Source Strong Letters of Recommendation

Recommendation letters are key components of most scholarship applications. They can paint a compelling picture of who you are both academically and outside of your resume and school transcripts.

Follow the instructions carefully regarding who can write letters (your teachers, employers, advisors, coaches, etc.) and then carefully choose your letter writers. And be sure your writers get their letters in on time.

Edit Your Application

After you complete a scholarship application, it’s to your great advantage to go through it – along with all required supplemental materials – in detail. Make sure that you met all requirements. That includes double-checking for any spelling and grammatical errors.

Remember that most scholarship programs are highly competitive. So, don’t give the selection committee a reason to reject your application at the beginning of the process, especially for something that could easily be fixed with a closer review.

Submit It on Time

You must submit an application and all required supplemental materials by the stated deadline(s). We highly recommend that you take careful note of all deadlines at the beginning of the application process and refer to them on a regular basis. Note the deadlines on a calendar. Set alarms on your phone’s calendar app. Do whatever it takes. Nothing will decrease your chances of winning a scholarship award faster than a missed deadline.

Say Thank You and Follow Up

You might be surprised to learn that a thank-you note can improve your chances at winning a scholarship. So, be sure to send one to the selection committee and thank them for taking the time to consider your application. You should also follow up on your application to confirm that it was received. Then, you can get information on next steps (if any) in the application process and a potential timeline for a decision.

Resources for Hispanic and Latino Students

Are you looking for more help with preparing for college life? You’re in the right place. The next section highlights 10 great resources for Hispanic and Latino students that can help you find success. From social support and networking to financial aid options, these resources can assist you as you navigate a college career.

• Alliance for a Better Community (ABC): This organization advocates for policy changes that create improved outcomes for Latinos throughout the Los Angeles, California, region. Organization resources are available to students of all ages. These resources can help prepare them for college, careers, and full participation in civic, economic, and cultural aspects of their communities.
• CREAR Futuros: CREAR (College Readiness, Achievement, and Retention) Futuros recruits Latinx students at participating colleges and universities. They act as mentors regarding tutoring, financial aid, and other resources that are available to support college access, retention, and graduate rates for other Latinx students. It is an initiative of the Hispanic Federation.
• Equal Opportunity Schools: Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) works collaboratively to identify and enroll underserved and underrepresented students in advanced courses on the secondary education level. The organization also improves access and outcomes for students on the post-secondary education level. EOS offers a variety of helpful resources like educational webinars, blogs, and in-person events.
• Excelencia in Education: This national network of educators and policy-makers is dedicated to improving the success of Latino students through the promotion of student achievement. It informs education policies and advancement of evidence-based practices with a Latino perspective.
• Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU): This organization represents over 500 colleges and universities in the United States, Latin America, and Spain that are committed to the success of Hispanics in higher education. The HACU publishes a magazine called The Voice of Hispanic Higher Education, which focuses on issues that impact the Hispanic population.
• Hispanic/Latino Professionals Association (HLPA): This organization connects employers with Latino talent. An HLPA membership provides professionals with invitations to networking events in their areas, job and career opportunities, and other products and services that can help their professional development.
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF): This non-profit organization provides scholarships and resources to help Latino students achieve their higher education goals.
• Latino Professional Network (LPN): The LPN is an association of Latino business professionals, community leaders, and students. Its goal is to galvanize and unify the ever-growing community of Latino professionals in the United States.
• Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF): This national civil rights organization works to protect the rights of Latinos through community education, advocacy, and legal action. It provides resources and support for Latino students, particularly in the areas of education equity and access.
• National Hispanic Institute: This non-profit organization provides leadership opportunities and educational resources to Hispanic and Latino youth.